STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The House of Quark"
(fka "Fight to the Death")
#40513-449
Story by
Tom Benko
Teleplay by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Les Landau
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
August 1, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 "The House of Quark" - 08/01/94 - CAS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The House of Quark"
CAST
SISKO D'GHOR
KIRA GOWRON
ODO GRILKA
QUARK KOZAK
BASHIR TUMEK
DAX PATRON
O'BRIEN
KEIKO
ROM
MORN
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. SECURITY
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE: "The House of Quark" - 08/01/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The House of Quark"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
QUARK'S/SECOND LEVEL KLINGON HOMEWORLD
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
CORRIDOR
SISKO'S OFFICE
REPLIMAT
GRILKA'S HOUSE
GREAT HALL
STAR TREK: "The House of Quark" - 08/01/94 - PRONUNCIATION Page
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The House of Quark"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BREK'TAL brek-TALL
CHOIECHU cho-EE-choo
COVERIAN CO-ver-ee-an
DAH DAH
DAIMON OROK DAY-mun O-rok
D'GHOR duh-GOR
GALCOR GAL-kor
GOWRON GOW-ron
GRILKA GRILL-ka
JANITZA JAH-neet-za
KELDAR KEL-dar
KOZAK KO-zak
KRONOS KRO-nos
LORINE LO-reen
MAK'DAR MAHK-dar
MEV'YAP MEV-yap
PAHTAK pah-TAK
PLOMEEK PLO-meek
Q'APLA k-PIAH
STO'VO'KOR STO-vo-kor
TUMEK TOO-mek
Page 2.
KLINGON SENTENCES
"GO'EVEH... LU CHA WABEH... MO KA RE'CHOS"
GO-eveh... LOO-cha wah-BEH... MO-ka REE-chos
"TO VA RE'LUK"
too-VAH REE-luk
"GHOS MA'LU KAH"
GHOS mah-LOO-kah
"YEJ RHIN"
YEZH REN
"N' GOS TMOGH CHA"
N'GHOS TLO-cha
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"The House of Quark"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S
It's late at Quark's. MORN and a lovely young WOMAN appear
to be the only customers... after a beat, they finish up
their drinks and then head for the EXIT. QUARK and ROM watch
them leave the now-empty bar with expressions of depression.
QUARK
Now I know we're doomed.
ROM
Why, Brother?
QUARK
Rule of Acquisition number two-eighty-
six: When Morn leaves, it's all
over.
ROM
There's no such rule.
QUARK
There should be.
ROM
(shocked)
I know business is bad, but that's
no reason to --
QUARK
Bad? Bad?!
(indicates bar)
It's twenty-one hundred hours, the
bar's open, there's a sale on
synthehol, and there's no one here!
Rom cringes in fear... then a drunken Klingon voice breaks
in from across the bar.
KOZAK'S VOICE
You -- Ferengi! Another blood wine!
Now!
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
They look over at the direction of the voice and now we
can see a Klingon named KOZAK slumped over a table in the
far corner. He is thoroughly drunk and he looks even more
thoroughly disreputable: he sways unsteadily in his chair,
his hair is matted and unkempt, and his clothes look like
he's been wearing them for days. Quark rolls his eyes as
Rom tries to sound more encouraging.
ROM
At least someone is still here.
QUARK
How many has he had?
ROM
A dozen...
Rom scurries off to get another drink for Kozak. Quark sits
down on one of the barstools and contemplates his fortunes.
QUARK
(to himself)
I should've gone into insurance...
better hours... more money... less
scruples...
Rom returns from Kozak's table and approaches Quark with
trepidation -- there's something he doesn't want to tell his
brother. But Quark is into his own little reverie and he is
oblivious to Rom's nervousness.
QUARK
It's all Sisko's fault.
Rom glances nervously back at the Klingon.
ROM
Sisko?
QUARK
That's right. If he'd handled things
better with the Dominion, none of
this would've happened. They want a
foothold in the Alpha Quadrant? Cut
a deal... make some arrangements...
give them a little something for
their trouble...
ROM
Brother...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(not listening)
But no... he had to play it tough...
so now everyone's afraid of the
Dominion...
ROM
Yes, but Brother...
QUARK
... and that means fewer people on
the station... which means fewer
people at Quark's... which means...
I'm out of business.
An angry shout from Kozak finally gets Quark's attention.
KOZAK
(slurred)
Where's my wine, you cowering little
Ferengi slug?
QUARK
(annoyed, to Rom)
What's the problem?
ROM
He... says he's out of... money.
He's asking for credit.
QUARK
Credit? Look around Rom, do you
think we're in any condition to be
offering credit?
ROM
No, but you know how difficult
Klingons can be.
QUARK
You just have to show a little
backbone. Once they realize you
mean business, they always back down.
Rom glances over at Kozak in fear. Quark gets up with a
mixture of disgust and anger.
QUARK
I'll handle this. Watch and learn.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - TEASER 4.
1 CONTINUED: (3)
Quark goes over to Kozak's table. Kozak is nearly falling
out of his chair at this point. Quark draws himself up to
his full height and plants himself before Kozak.
QUARK
(loud and firm)
My name is Quark.
Kozak looks up at him... and the moment he does, Quark's
entire demeanor collapses into a posture of obsequious
servility.
QUARK
(continuing, humble)
And I would like to discuss...
arranging a line of credit...
But Kozak is in a drunken haze and doesn't even understand
what Quark is saying. He gets unsteadily to his feet...
he's swaying dangerously as he towers over Quark.
KOZAK
(drunk)
You dare speak to me like that...
you pathetic mak'dar...
Kozak's eyes suddenly flare in rage and he pulls a KNIFE
from his belt and charges at Quark with a drunken ROAR OF
ANGER. Quark tries to get out of the way, but Kozak is too
big and moving too fast... Kozak swings the knife... Quark
throws up a feeble hand in defense... but Kozak is so drunk
that he STUMBLES over his own feet... his vast bulk coming
down on top of Quark, who SCREAMS in terror. They both crash
to the deck.
Rom watches in horror as the two men lie still on the ground,
Kozak on top of Quark. There's a beat, then Kozak falls off
of Quark and onto his back. The knife is sticking out of
his chest... Quark looks at him in shock. The huge Klingon
is dead.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
2 INT. QUARK'S
Later. Kozak's body is on a medical gurney... the knife
sticking out of his chest. BASHIR is checking over the body
with a tricorder, while an N.D. NURSE stands by. ODO is
looking over the area near the body. There are two N.D.
SECURITY GUARDS standing at the entrance to keep back the
LARGE CROWD of curious passersby who are straining to get a
glimpse of what's going on.
Quark and Rom are near the bar, just out of earshot from the
death scene. Rom is nervous and agitated, while Quark is
staring at the crowd just outside the entrance like a starving
man looking at his first meal in days.
ROM
(re: Kozak's body)
How long are they going to leave...
him there? I wish they would hurry
up and get rid of him.
QUARK
I wish we could put him on display...
ROM
What?
QUARK
Look at them, Rom... they're consumed
with morbid fascination... they can't
wait to get in here...
Quark takes another step toward the crowd, thinking rapidly.
QUARK
(continuing)
They all want to know what happened.
Was it a bar fight? What started
it? And most of all, who killed the
Klingon?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/02/94 - ACT ONE 6.
2 CONTINUED:
ROM
But no one killed him... it was an
accident.
Quark whirls on his brother and pushes him against the bar.
QUARK
(quickly, hushed)
Wrong. I killed him. In a bar fight.
(off his look)
You heard me. I killed him in self-
defense.
ROM
But where is the profit in lying
about a simple --
Quark grabs Rom by the earlobe and jerks his head to face
the crowd. Rom winces in pain.
QUARK
Look at that crowd. How long has it
been since you've seen that many
customers waiting to get in here.
This is an opportunity to turn
everything around.
Quark releases Rom, who rubs his ear in pain.
ROM
This is insane Brother. What if...
(re: body)
... his family comes looking for the
killer... what if they want revenge?
QUARK
If push comes to shove... we tell
the truth and no harm is done.
Rom still looks dubious, so Quark softens his tone and moves
closer to him.
QUARK
(continuing)
Rom... let me put it another way.
If business doesn't improve, I'll
have to start making a few cutbacks
in the operation of the bar...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 7.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(beat)
Beginning with your salary.
ROM
How big of a cutback?
QUARK
I'd probably have to cut it back
to... zero.
As Rom takes in this horrifying possibility, Odo comes up to
talk to them.
ODO
All right, Quark... start at the
beginning and tell me --
Rom spins around instantly.
ROM
(quickly)
My brother fought a desperate hand-
to-hand battle with the Klingon and
was forced to kill in self-defense.
Odo looks from Quark to the oversized Klingon lying on the
deck.
ODO
You... killed him?
QUARK
I'm sorry, but I couldn't avoid it.
Quark moves away from Odo and begins to play out the scene
for the crowd. Bashir has finished with the body, and the
Nurse takes it away on the gurney. Bashir now begins to
listen as well.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 8.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
QUARK
(continuing)
He was abusive... vulgar... a typical
drunken Klingon. All that was fine...
but then it came time to pay the
bill... and he refused. I insisted.
We began to argue... he pushed me...
I pushed back... I was about to call
for security to throw him out of my
bar when suddenly he pulled a knife
on me!
The crowd is mesmerized by the tale and this only propels
Quark more. He throws himself into the story.
QUARK
(continuing)
I avoided the first thrust... he
came at me again... I hit him with a
left jab... there was a furious
exchange of blows. The next thing I
knew, his knife was at my throat...
so I twisted it from his grasp and
plunged it into his chest.
(beat, then solemn)
I'll never forget the look on his
face as his life drained away. It
was... I'd rather not talk about it
anymore.
Quark turns away, apparently moved by the memory, and the
Crowd begins talking animatedly among themselves. Odo
gives him a skeptical look.
ODO
If you've finished your performance,
I'd like to hear the real story now.
QUARK
You heard it. And my brother is a
witness.
ROM
That's right.
ODO
If this is some kind of joke... I'm
not laughing, Quark.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 9.
2 CONTINUED: (4)
QUARK
Nor should you.
(dramatically, for
crowd)
Death is nothing to laugh about.
Believe me, I know! But if this
tragic incident has taught me
anything, it's that we have to live
life to the fullest while we can...
we must live for today because
tomorrow may never come, so... drink
up, everyone -- the bar is open!
Quark throws out his arms and the crowd rushes in with an
excited jabber... eager to see and hear everything for
themselves. Odo and Bashir exchange a look and then head
for the EXIT.
3
thru OMITTED
4
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 10.
5 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
KEIKO is trimming a bonsai tree in their quarters when O'BRIEN
ENTERS.
O'BRIEN
(to Keiko)
Hi, Honey.
KEIKO
Hi.
O'Brien gives his wife a kiss and then moves to the
replicator. It's been a long day for O'Brien and he's here
to relax. Keiko is unusually quiet and subdued.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 11.
5 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
What a day...
(to replicator)
Synthale, tall glass.
We HEAR the replicator work and O'Brien pulls a tall glass
of ale out of the unit. He sits down and takes a long pull
from his ale.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
We had three Coverian freighter
captains who all wanted to use the
same docking port... someone stole a
case of medical supplies from the
Infirmary... two power failures...
O'Brien shakes his head and puts his feet up... it takes him
a beat, but then he notices that Keiko is being strangely
silent.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
How was school?
Keiko picks up another gardening tool and hesitates before
answering.
KEIKO
I... closed it.
O'BRIEN
(surprised)
Closed the school? Why? What
happened?
Keiko's tone is neither angry nor somber, just resigned.
She's trying not to let this bother her and she's not going
to make a scene about it.
KEIKO
My last two Bajoran students left
today... their families are relocating
back to Bajor. That left Jake, Nog...
and a lot of empty chairs.
O'BRIEN
But what about Jake and Nog? Don't
they need to... ?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 12.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
KEIKO
I told them both I'd be happy to
tutor them from now on... but two
students aren't enough to sustain a
school.
O'Brien gets up and goes to her.
O'BRIEN
I'm really sorry, Keiko...
He puts his arm around her and she manages to smile at him a
little.
KEIKO
It's not your fault. Everyone's
just afraid of the Dominion. People
aren't going to be bringing their
families to live on the station
anymore... so that means no more
children... which means no more
school.
O'Brien regards her with compassion and Keiko gives him a
quick kiss on the cheek.
KEIKO
Don't look so upset. It's not like
I was planning to be a teacher the
rest of my life. I'm fine. Really.
Keiko moves off to work on another bonsai tree. It's clear
from the look on her face that this has affected her more
than she's letting on. O'Brien looks at her and we can see
that he is deeply concerned about her. Off his concerned
expression...
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 13.
6 INT. QUARK'S
A large crowd has now filled Quark's... people are drinking,
eating, playing dabo, business is good. A large group of
patrons are hanging on every word as Quark narrates his tale.
Quark's attitude is nonchalant, playing the part of a man
who just "did what he had to do."
QUARK
Afraid? Of course I was afraid, but
that man was in my bar and he had a
bill to pay. And I wasn't going to
have him walk out of here without
paying it.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 14.
6 CONTINUED:
PATRON
Must have been some fight. I wish
I'd been here to see it.
QUARK
(dramatically)
No you don't. There's nothing pretty
about watching a man die. It's
something I'll have to live with the
rest of my life. Can I get you a
drink?
A waiter appears at Quark's signal and looks at the Patron
expectantly.
PATRON
(to waiter)
Yeah... give Mister Quark a drink...
and put it on my tab.
There is a round of applause for Quark as he smiles modestly
and moves behind the bar with Rom, who is busily filling
orders. Quark takes a drink and looks around the bar with
pleasure and then notices that Odo is sitting at the bar a
short distance away watching him.
QUARK
Don't worry Constable, I won't be
dispatching anymore customers today.
You don't have to keep an eye on me.
ODO
Thank you for putting my mind at
ease. But I didn't come here to
protect the patrons from your...
violent temper.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 15.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
Then what can I do for you?
ODO
I just thought you'd like to know
who it was that you "killed in self
defense." His name was Kozak... by
all accounts a thoroughly disreputable
character and a notorious drunkard.
QUARK
Well, sounds like he was going to
get killed sooner or later... it's a
shame it had to happen here.
ODO
Isn't it? I thought you'd also like
to know that Kozak wasn't just some
drifter passing through.
(beat)
In fact, he was the head of a Klingon
family... a rather powerful family
from what I can gather...
Rom turns around as he hears this with a look of fear on his
face. Some of the bravado leaves Quark's features but he
doesn't back down.
ODO
(continuing)
Now... do you want to change your
story or do you want to wait until
Kozak's family shows up and asks to
see the Ferengi bartender who killed
him?
But to Odo's surprise, instead of cowering in fear Quark
leans forward with a determined look on his face.
QUARK
I told you what happened, Constable.
Now either order something or make
room for a paying customer.
Odo is surprised and can't help but give Quark a puzzled
smile. He gets up and EXITS. Rom quickly moves to Quark.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 16.
6 CONTINUED: (3)
ROM
Brother didn't you hear what he said?
QUARK
I heard him.
ROM
Then we have to tell the truth.
We've made enough profit in the last
few hours to make up for the losses
we...
QUARK
This isn't about profit anymore.
It's about respect.
ROM
It is?
QUARK
(indicates crowd)
You see the way they look at me now?
I'm not just some venal Ferengi trying
to take their money. I'm Quark --
slayer of Klingons.
(beat)
I've struck a blow for Ferengis
everywhere.
ROM
What about Kozak's family? What if
they come here for revenge?
QUARK
If that happens I'll stand up...
look them right in the eye... and
offer them a bribe.
CUT TO:
7 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing the station.
8 INT. CORRIDOR
Quark is swaggering down the corridor feeling pretty good
about himself...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT ONE 17.
8 CONTINUED:
he rounds a corner and suddenly a large hand reaches out
and grabs him by the collar and slams him against the
bulkhead. A large Klingon named D'GHOR is holding Quark and
he doesn't look happy.
D'GHOR
(snarling)
You... killed my brother.
Off Quark's terrified expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
9 INT. CORRIDOR
Continuous from Act One. D'Ghor is still holding Quark up
against the bulkhead.
QUARK
I think there's been some mistake.
My name is Rom... you want my brother,
Quark. He's shorter, not as
intelligent looking...
D'GHOR
It won't work, Quark. You were
described to me very clearly... a
Ferengi with a mouth bigger than his
ears.
D'Ghor glares at him, then suddenly releases him, but the
Klingon stays close enough to prevent any kind of escape.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 19.
9 CONTINUED:
D'GHOR
(continuing)
My brother... killed by a miserable
Ferengi... I would never have believed
it possible.
QUARK
I can explain...
D'GHOR
You'd better. I want to know exactly
how Kozak died.
(pulls a knife)
And if I don't like what I hear...
QUARK
(quickly)
You'll like it, believe me.
(beat)
He was in the bar... I asked him to
pay his tab... he refused... I was
willing to let it go at that... but
then he grabbed his knife and came
at me. And the truth is... he was
so... inebriated that he... just...
fell... and...
D'GHOR
(deadly)
I hope you're not going to tell me
he died in an accident.
QUARK
(confused)
You do?
D'GHOR
Yes. Because there's no honor in
such a death. And if Kozak died in
disgrace, that disgrace would be
passed along to the rest of his
family.
(moves closer with
knife)
So if you were the cause of an
accident which will dishonor my entire
family... then I'm going to kill you
and shove your miserable corpse out
the nearest airlock.
This catches Quark completely off-guard... he's not sure
what to do.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 20.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
I see...
D'GHOR
On the other hand, if he died as a
warrior -- in personal combat --
then there would be no dishonor for
him or his family.
Quark blinks for a moment... trying to digest this unexpected
turn of events.
QUARK
So you're saying that if I... killed
him in personal combat, that's...
good?
D'GHOR
Of course it's not good, he was my
brother!
(beat)
But it would be honorable... and an
honorable death needs no vengeance...
your life would be spared.
QUARK
D'Ghor, I wish you could've been
there. You'd have been proud of
your brother. He fought a brave and
valiant battle right up to the end.
It was an honor to kill him.
D'GHOR
I'm sure it was.
(puts knife away)
Remember that when you tell your
customers about the death of Kozak.
QUARK
You can count on it.
D'GHOR
(a shout)
Q'apla! (success)
Quark flinches, but then D'Ghor heads off down the
Corridor, leaving Quark to catch his breath after
narrowly avoiding death.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 21.
10 OMITTED
10A INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
O'Brien is putting the final touches on what is obviously a
romantic dinner for two: candles, flowers, a bottle of
champagne, elegant dinnerware, soft lights, music, etc.
He's wearing an elegant civilian outfit and everything looks
perfect. The doors OPEN and Keiko ENTERS. She stops short
as she takes in the sight and her shock is obvious.
KEIKO
Miles... what... what's going on?
O'BRIEN
You're five minutes early. The
canapes aren't ready yet.
KEIKO
Have I missed something?
O'BRIEN
Now don't tell me you've forgotten
what day it is...
Keiko looks at him blankly.
KEIKO
Well... it's not our anniversary...
or my birthday... or...
O'Brien opens the champagne and pours them both a glass.
O'BRIEN
I can't believe you've forgotten.
(off her blank look)
It's "I'm married to the most
wonderful woman in the galaxy day."
I marked it on your calendar.
He hands her the glass of champagne and Keiko can't help but
smile at him in a mixture of surprise and genuine emotion.
KEIKO
I don't think I'm too familiar with
that day.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 22.
10A CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
It's an old Irish tradition. I
thought we should start celebrating
it.
They move closer together.
KEIKO
Too bad it only comes once a year.
O'BRIEN
Actually, it's a very irregular
holiday... crops up all over the
place. Sometimes twice in the same
day.
O'Brien takes her in his arms.
KEIKO
Really? So what's the traditional
celebration? Cake? Noisemakers?
Fireworks?
He leans in to kiss her.
O'BRIEN
Oh... definitely fireworks...
He kisses her and she responds... and as they embrace...
DISSOLVE TO:
10B INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
The next morning. The candles are burnt out, there's evidence
that at least some of the food was eaten and the bottle of
champagne is empty and upside-down in its bucket. O'Brien
and Keiko come out of the bedroom. O'Brien is wearing his
uniform, while Keiko has on a silk robe. They are both still
glowing after last night.
O'BRIEN
I should be able to finish the docking
inspection by thirteen hundred. How
about lunch at the Replimat?
KEIKO
Sounds good to me.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 23.
10B CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
It's a date then.
(gives her a kiss)
See you later.
He turns to go, but then Keiko pulls him back to her for a
moment.
KEIKO
I just wanted to say thank you for
last night. It was... wonderful.
O'BRIEN
(with sexual meaning)
You already thanked me.
They share a smile and then O'Brien heads for the door.
O'BRIEN
I'll be on upper pylon two if you
need me.
A little of the joy fades from Keiko's face and her voice.
KEIKO
Okay. I'll be... here.
There's a definite sadness as Keiko says this and O'Brien
picks up on it immediately. He pauses as he reaches the
door and turns back to look at his wife. Keiko keeps smiling
at him, but some of the light has gone out of her eyes. She
turns and moves to one of her bonsai plants and O'Brien
watches her for a long moment... the image of his wife all
alone in the room affects him deeply and the glow of the
night before suddenly seems a distant memory. Off his
troubled expression...
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 24.
11 INT. QUARK'S
It's after hours and the bar is closed. Quark is counting
out latinum bars at a table -- they've made quite a haul
today.
QUARK
Not bad... not bad... but this is
just the beginning. I'm thinking of
cordoning off the area where Kozak
died as a kind of memorial... maybe
with a commemorative plaque.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 25.
11 CONTINUED:
QUARK
We can charge people admission if
they want to see the bloodstains.
ROM
Brother... maybe this has gone too
far... maybe we should just take the
money we've made and move on to other
ventures. The Klingons may not like
us profiting on the death of one of
their --
QUARK
(hard)
I told you -- I took care of the
Klingons. They won't bother us again.
Now stop thinking and start
cleaning... beginning with the store
room, it's filthy. Go!
Rom scurries out of the bar. Quark sits back for a moment
and surveys his domain... he's feeling particularly good
about himself... his business... life in general. Suddenly
Quark sees a HOODED FIGURE standing in the shadows of the
bar.
QUARK
Who's there? We're closed.
The figure doesn't move. Quark moves closer.
GRILKA
(softly)
Are you Quark?
Quark's eyes narrow in suspicion.
QUARK
That depends on who's asking.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 26.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
The figure steps into the light and pulls back the hood,
revealing GRILKA'S face -- she is a striking Klingon woman,
whose features are regal and proud. At the moment, her face
is etched with sadness and grief... there is no hostility or
anger in her, just the look of a woman who's suffered a great
loss.
GRILKA
(softly)
My name is Grilka... Kozak was my
husband.
Grilka looks away from him in grief and Quark can't help but
feel bad... he hadn't really expected this.
QUARK
Oh... well, come in.
(beat)
Can I get you a drink... or something
to eat... ?
She takes a couple more steps into the room... as if trying
to decide what to say to him.
GRILKA
I've been told... that you are the
one who... killed my husband.
QUARK
I... didn't want to. I... had no
choice.
GRILKA
Was it... an honorable death?
Quark moves to her, trying his very best to comfort this
widow.
QUARK
Absolutely. He died... like a
warrior.
Grilka nods, seems to take some comfort in that... Quark
watches her for a moment... hunts for something to ease her
pain.
QUARK
(continuing)
I'm very sorry about what happened.
Is there anything I can do... ?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 27.
11 CONTINUED: (3)
GRILKA
Actually, there is... defend yourself!
And with that, Grilka flings off the hooded robe, and pulls
a knife from her belt. She snarls at Quark and comes at him
with the knife. Quark reacts with the finely tuned instincts
of the true coward and he leaps backward over the bar and
crashes onto the floor. Grilka moves to the bar, but doesn't
pursue him over it.
Grilka leans over the bar and sees Quark cowering in fear on
the floor, using a serving tray as a protective shield.
Grilka looks at him for a beat, and then her anger disappears
just as quickly as it came. She regards him calmly.
GRILKA
(with contempt)
So this is the man who killed my
husband... in personal combat...
Quark hears the change in tone and he looks up cautiously to
see that Grilka is not still coming for him. Quark slowly
stands, a look of suspicion coming over his face.
QUARK
What's going on here? Who are you?
GRILKA
I told you, I'm Kozak's widow. But
first things first, Quark. I want
to know how my husband died, and I
want the truth.
Quark glances down at the knife in her hand... after a beat,
Grilka puts the knife back in her belt.
QUARK
All right... he was drunk and he did
try to attack me... but he tripped
and fell on his own knife.
A look of relief quickly washes over Grilka.
GRILKA
So you lied... to the station security
officer...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 28.
11 CONTINUED: (4)
GRILKA (Cont'd)
... to your customers... and to D'Ghor.
You must be quite a liar.
QUARK
It's... a gift.
GRILKA
I think it's time you put that gift
to work... for me.
Quark's eyes narrow in suspicion, but before he can do
anything about it, Grilka's hand flashes up and applies a
hypospray to his neck. Quark falls unconscious on the bar.
Grilka puts the hypo away and then activates a communicator.
GRILKA
(to com)
Cho'echu! (energize)
Grilka and Quark DEMATERIALIZE.
CUT TO:
12 EXT. KLINGON HOMEWORLD (MATTE SHOT) - NIGHT
The homeworld of the Klingon Empire.
13 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
We are in one of the main rooms. The house is decorated in
noble, heroic themes... this is the home of a Klingon family
with long, proud traditions. But the family has fallen on
hard times, so some of the tapestries are frayed and dirty...
the room could use a good cleaning... and there are several
broken or worn items that should have been repaired or
replaced a long time ago.
Quark is lying unconscious on a large couch. An old Klingon
servant named TUMEK is leaning over Quark and he applies a
hypospray to Quark's neck. After a beat, Quark regains
consciousness and looks around.
QUARK
What... what happened? Where am I?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 29.
13 CONTINUED:
TUMEK
You are on Kronos.
QUARK
Kronos... ?
Memory floods back to Quark and he quickly sits up.
QUARK
(continuing, downbeat)
The Klingon homeworld...
Quark sits back, stunned and defeated. He glances around
the room.
TUMEK
You are in the ancestral home of
what used to be known as the House
of Kozak.
Quark is only mildly interested in this conversation... he's
too worried about his own situation, but he keeps talking to
Tumek just to keep from screaming in fear.
QUARK
What's it called now?
Tumek drops his gaze... ashamed of what's happened.
TUMEK
(quiet)
Kozak left no male heir... the House
no longer has a name.
QUARK
What about Kozak's brother... D'Ghor?
A thundercloud of anger appears on Tumek's face. The old
man fairly snarls his response at Quark.
TUMEK
(quiet fury)
That pahtak's name is not spoken in
this house. He is no brother to
Kozak...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 30.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
TUMEK
... his family has been a sworn enemy
of this house for seven generations.
Quark looks at him with shock and disbelief.
QUARK
But... he came to D.S. Nine... he
told me that --
TUMEK
What he told you were lies. He wanted
you to say that Kozak died in
honorable combat so that no special
dispensation would be granted.
QUARK
I don't understand.
TUMEK
If Kozak died in an accident... and
left no male heir, the Council might
have decided that this was an unusual
situation... and granted special
dispensation. That may have allowed
Grilka to head the family even though
she's a woman.
Tumek stands and looks at Quark with a mixture of sadness
and anger.
TUMEK
(continuing)
But if Kozak died in... an honorable
fight, and was simply defeated by a
better opponent, then there would be
no special dispensation... and without
a male heir the House will fall.
Quark digests this for a moment... but then Grilka's voice
interrupts them.
GRILKA'S VOICE
That hasn't happened yet, Tumek.
They both turn to see Grilka as she strides into the room.
She is wearing a flowing ceremonial garment that is both
regal and seductive, managing to convey the ideas of ancient
ritual and sexual promise at the same time. She is carrying
a large robe which has been designed in a similar vein, but
is tailored for a Klingon male.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 31.
13 CONTINUED: (3)
GRILKA
(continuing)
And there is still time to prevent
it from ever happening.
She throws the robe to Quark.
GRILKA
Put this on.
QUARK
Why?
GRILKA
Because if you do not, I will kill
you.
That's good enough for Quark, and so he struggles into the
ill-fitting robe. Tumek looks dubious about this entire
affair, but it is also clear that she is in charge here and
Tumek is her servant.
TUMEK
(quiet)
I beg you... consider what you do
here, mistress...
GRILKA
The decision is made. There's no
other choice.
Quark has managed to get into the robe and now Grilka grabs
one of his hands and faces Tumek. She draws herself up and
speaks formally.
GRILKA
Go'Eveh... lu cha wabeh... Mo ka
re'Chos.
Tumek and Grilka now look to Quark, who has no idea what to
do.
TUMEK
(to Quark)
Repeat my words... "Go'Eveh... lu
cha wabeh... To va re'Luk.
QUARK
Could I just ask one simple question
before --
Grilka pulls her knife and puts it at Quark's throat.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT TWO 32.
13 CONTINUED: (4)
GRILKA
Repeat the words.
QUARK
(quickly)
Go'Eveh lu cha wabeh to va re'Luk.
TUMEK
Ghos ma'lu Kah!
With that, Grilka grabs Quark roughly and gives him a kiss
that is deep and harsh... she pushes him away and wipes off
her mouth.
TUMEK
It is done.
QUARK
(a little unsteady)
What's done?
TUMEK
The ceremony is complete... you are
husband and wife.
Off Quark's shocked reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT THREE 33.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
14 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - ON MONITOR (OPTICAL) - DAY
Rom's face suddenly appears on a Klingon monitor in Grilka's
House. He seems a little surprised.
ROM
Oh... hello, brother.
MOVE TO REVEAL Quark (no longer in the wedding robe) is
sitting in front of a monitor. Grilka is sitting nearby
watching him.
QUARK
That's it? "Hello, Brother"? I've
been gone for three days, and that's
all you have to say?
ROM
I was... worried. Then I remembered
what you said about not prying into
your private matters. So I didn't
tell anyone about your... sudden
absence.
QUARK
(irritated)
Well, I'm on the Klingon homeworld.
(beat)
And I'm married.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT THREE 33A.
14 CONTINUED:
Rom doesn't even blink at this news.
ROM
Congratulations.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT THREE 34.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
Quark rolls his eyes in frustration... but on the monitor,
we can suddenly see the intimidation on Rom's face turn to
sudden realization of the opportunity here.
ROM
(continuing, hopeful)
So... does this mean you won't be
coming back?
QUARK
I am definitely coming back...
(glances at Grilka)
It may take some time, that's all.
Now listen to me: stay away from
the dabo girls.
ROM
Absolutely.
QUARK
I mean it. They'll promise you
anything, Rom... they'll say they
love you... that you're the most
handsome Ferengi since Daimon Orok...
but they only want one thing: your
latinum.
ROM
Don't worry about a thing, Brother.
I won't even look at them.
(quickly)
Well, you're probably eager to begin
your married life, so I won't keep
you. Give my best to your bride and
stay in touch.
The TRANSMISSION ENDS.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 35.
15 INT. QUARK'S
Rom turns away from the monitor with a smile on his face as
two gorgeous DABO GIRLS slip into his two outstretched arms.
ROM
(to girls)
Now, where were we?
16 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - DAY
Quark turns away from the computer monitor. Grilka looks at
him with a little curiosity.
GRILKA
You seem... worried about him.
Quark reacts... not too happy about Grilka's all-too-accurate
appraisal.
QUARK
(gruff)
I'm worried he'll ruin my
business.
Grilka decides not to press it and moves to a table, where
she picks up another formal robe and hands it to Quark.
QUARK
Where are we going?
GRILKA
To a meeting of the High Council. I
have to present my new husband.
QUARK
Why? What's this all about? What
is it you want from me?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 36.
16 CONTINUED:
GRILKA
(hard)
Just put it on.
She moves close to him and her tenor becomes deadly.
GRILKA
(continuing, quiet)
And remember, Quark. When we're in
the Great Hall, don't say a word.
(he opens his mouth
to protest)
Not a word.
They head for the EXIT.
CUT TO:
17 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing the station.
17A INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
SISKO, DAX, and KIRA are sitting at the desk, looking over
some PADDS.
SISKO
(to Kira)
... and while you're at it, have
alpha shift begin a series of battle
drills. I'm not satisfied with their
last performance evaluations.
KIRA
Right.
The doors OPEN and O'Brien ENTERS. He seems a little awkward
here.
O'BRIEN
Oh... excuse me, sir. I can come
back later.
SISKO
No, no. We're done here. What can
I do for you?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 37.
17A CONTINUED:
O'Brien glances awkwardly at Dax and Kira... he's hesitant.
O'BRIEN
Well... it's kind of personal.
Dax looks at him closely and then smiles.
DAX
Wife problems, Chief?
O'BRIEN
How'd you know?
DAX
I've been a husband, and I've been a
wife. I know that look... from both
sides.
Dax gets up and motions to Kira.
DAX
Come on.
KIRA
What?
DAX
This is where you and I make a
"graceful exit," and let the boys
talk amongst themselves.
KIRA
This is some kind of... human thing
isn't it?
SISKO
I'm sure the... "Old Man" will be
happy to explain it to you on the
way out.
Dax smiles at him and then she and Kira EXIT. Sisko smiles
at O'Brien and indicates a chair. O'Brien sits... but it's
clear this is a very uncomfortable meeting for him. Sisko
senses this and tries to help lead him into the conversation.
SISKO
Keiko must be pretty upset about
closing the school...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 38.
17A CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
That's just it... she's acting like
she doesn't care... as if nothing's
wrong.
SISKO
Sounds bad...
O'BRIEN
(nods)
I've been trying to lift her spirits
a bit... romantic dinners... long
moonlit walks in the holosuite...
I've even rearranged my work schedule
to spend more time with her. But
nothing seemed to make a difference.
O'Brien hesitates again, and Sisko helps him out again.
SISKO
But now you have an idea...
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
(beat)
I'd like permission to convert one
of the unused cargo bays into an
arboretum.
But to O'Brien's surprise, Sisko doesn't even hesitate.
SISKO
I think Bay Twenty-One would be
ideal... the ODN-conduits are shot,
and the security system's never worked
anyway.
O'BRIEN
(surprised)
So, you're saying yes?
SISKO
Sounds like it to me.
Sisko smiles at him and then moves to sit on the edge of the
desk. He's talking to O'Brien not as commander to chief any
longer, but as a man who's been in O'Brien's shoes.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 38A.
17A CONTINUED: (3)
SISKO
(continuing)
Look... there's nothing harder than
knowing that the person you love is
unhappy... and I know how important
it is to try to do something about
it. So if one empty cargo bay will
make Keiko happy, then I'm all for
it. I just hope it works.
O'BRIEN
So do I. She sacrificed her entire
career to be here with me. I owe it
to her.
SISKO
If there's anything else I can do...
just let me know.
O'Brien stands and they share a look.
O'BRIEN
Thank you, sir.
O'Brien manages a smile and then EXITS. OFF Sisko's
thoughtful reaction...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 39.
18
thru OMITTED
19
20 EXT. KLINGON HOMEWORLD (MATTE SHOT) - DAY
As seen before.
21 INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
The Great Hall of the Klingon Empire, as seen in previous
episodes. GOWRON is seated in the Council Leader's chair
and the rest of the COUNCIL is standing to either side of
him. Standing before the Council is D'Ghor, who is in the
middle of making his case before Gowron.
D'GHOR
(formally)
... there being no special
circumstances in the death, and no
male heir, I make claim to the title
and property of this fallen House.
GOWRON
The Council has considered your
petition and will grant the transfer
once the final rituals have been --
GRILKA'S VOICE
The petition is out of order!
Gowron looks up and sees Grilka ENTERING the Great Hall.
Gowron is not happy to see her, but his attitude is one of
weariness, not animosity. There is no bad blood between
Grilka and Gowron, but Gowron is tiring of this particular
matter. D'Ghor regards her with obvious contempt.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT THREE 40.
21 CONTINUED:
D'GHOR
This woman has no place here. Her
husband is dead and her house has
fallen. I ask that she be taken
from the Hall.
GRILKA
I have performed the brek'tal ritual,
Gowron... and I have chosen a new
husband to lead my House.
This causes a stir on the Council... the Klingons talk among
themselves for a moment.
GRILKA
(calls out behind her)
Enter, husband.
Everyone turns and looks to see Quark ENTER the Great Hall
wearing the Klingon robe seen earlier. Gowron's jaw literally
drops open and the other Council members are just as shocked.
D'Ghor can barely contain himself.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 41.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
D'GHOR
A Ferengi cannot be allowed to rule
a Klingon House!
GRILKA
All I have done is follow the brek'tal
ritual: If the leader of a House is
slain in honorable combat, the victor
may be invited to take his place...
and his wife.
D'Ghor wasn't expecting any of this. Grilka can't help but
give him a predatory smile.
GRILKA
(continuing)
You're the one who made this possible,
D'Ghor. You certified to the Council
that Kozak died an honorable death
at the hands of this man. I am simply
exercising my rights as an honored
widow.
D'GHOR
(deadly)
I will have your House and your title,
Grilka. And when I am done, I will
place your head and the head of this
ridiculous Ferengi outside the gates.
Quark finally steps in at that threat.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 42.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
QUARK
(talking fast)
Can I say something here? It seems
like there's some kind of dispute
going on over some land... maybe
some other property... I think we
should consider making a deal..
Grilka throws him an angry look at this intrusion. D'Ghor
pulls his knife.
D'GHOR
I should kill you right now...
GOWRON
Mev'yap! (Stop!)
D'Ghor freezes in place. Gowron stands up.
GOWRON
(continuing)
D'Ghor, you cannot challenge this
man in Council without just cause.
D'Ghor reluctantly puts the knife away. Everyone is now
looking to Gowron, who is clearly asserting his authority.
GOWRON
(continuing)
We will have to consider this matter
carefully before a final decision is
reached. Until then, the brek'tal
will be respected.
(beat)
The House of Kozak is gone... for
the time being, it will be known
as... the House of Quark.
Gowron can't believe he's even saying it and neither can
anyone else.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT THREE 43.
21 CONTINUED: (4)
Grilka looks pleased for the moment and D'Ghor burns with
hatred. Quark looks a little overwhelmed by it all. Off
his expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
22 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - DAY
Grilka is glaring at Quark in fury.
GRILKA
I told you not to say anything.
Quark seems less intimidated by her at this point... this
whole affair is starting to get under his skin.
QUARK
I was trying to avoid a lot of
unnecessary bloodshed... like my
own.
GRILKA
Just do what I say and there won't
be any bloodshed.
QUARK
Fine. What's next?
For once, Grilka doesn't have an answer to everything... she
hesitates and Quark presses her.
QUARK
(continuing)
What do we do now? How do we
strengthen the position of your House?
How do we keep D'Ghor from carrying
out his threat? What's the plan?
GRILKA
(defensive)
I'm thinking.
Quark looks at her in dismay.
QUARK
You don't have a plan, do you? You're
just... making this up as you go
along.
GRILKA
I managed to get us this far...
QUARK
But you have no idea where to go
from here.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
22 CONTINUED:
Grilka's expression tells him he's right. Quark paces
about for a moment, tries a different tack.
QUARK
(continuing)
Can I make a suggestion? Let's try
having a more equal partnership,
shall we?
GRILKA
What do you want?
QUARK
Just... tell me what's going on.
Grilka thinks for a moment, then reluctantly starts to tell
Quark what he wants to know.
GRILKA
Kozak... squandered much of our
family's wealth... incurred several
large gambling debts... made unwise
investments. As a result, the House
has been severely weakened in power
and influence.
(beat)
Much of the debt is owed to D'Ghor.
And he is now ready to take advantage
of our weakness...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
GRILKA
If he can gain title to our lands
and property, his family will become
a powerful influence in the Empire.
He may even earn a seat on the
Council.
QUARK
Would it be possible for me to see
all the financial records of your
house -- and I mean everything.
D'Ghor's too, if you can arrange it.
Maybe I can find a way out of this
mess.
GRILKA
(with distaste)
That is not how we do things here.
We are Klingons. We don't... dirty
ourselves with filthy ledgers...
looking for some... financial trick
to --
QUARK
(hard)
Look. We've been doing things your
way ever since this started. And
now you've run out of ideas... so
maybe we should try doing things my
way for a change. It certainly can't
hurt to let me look at some... filthy
ledgers.
Grilka thinks for a moment, then nods in agreement and moves
to a computer terminal. As she begins working...
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FOUR 47.
23 INT. DEEP SPACE NINE - REPLIMAT
O'Brien is sitting at a table, sketching something on a large
PADD. He is deep in thought and has been at this for a while.
Bashir walks up to the replicator wall and nods at O'Brien.
BASHIR
Afternoon, Chief.
O'BRIEN
(distracted)
Doctor...
BASHIR
(to replicator)
Plomeek soup, hot... with a touch of
basil.
As we HEAR the replicator working, Bashir glances casually
down to see what O'Brien's doing on the PADD. After a beat,
O'Brien senses Bashir's gaze and looks up. Bashir smiles at
him sheepishly... and tries to avoid irritating the Chief.
Bashir turns and takes the bowl of soup from the replicator
and is about to move away when O'Brien stops him. O'Brien
is awkward... embarrassed, but actually eager for a little
help. He shows Bashir the PADD.
O'BRIEN
What do you think?
BASHIR
You're asking my opinion?
O'Brien just looks at him and refrains from observing that
he's obviously asking his opinion. Bashir doesn't really
wait for an answer and he sits down to look at the PADD.
BASHIR
An arboretum... ? For Keiko, I
presume? To make her a little happier
now that the school's been closed.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FOUR 48.
23 CONTINUED:
O'Brien is a little taken aback that everyone seems to
know about his problem.
O'BRIEN
It's not just for Keiko... there'd
be benefits for the entire station...
(beat, then quieter)
Do you think it'll work?
BASHIR
Absolutely...
O'Brien looks relieved, but then Bashir finishes his thought.
BASHIR
(continuing)
For two months. Then you'll be right
back where you started.
O'BRIEN
Two months?
BASHIR
It's been my experience that during
any serious disagreement a smile and
sweet words will get you two hours...
flowers will get you a week... an
arboretum -- well, that's at least
two months. But in the end, you
still have to solve the underlying
problem.
O'Brien looks depressed and frustrated.
O'BRIEN
I thought that an arboretum would
give her a chance to continue her
studies... help her find something
to do with her time...
BASHIR
Like a hobby.
O'BRIEN
Exactly.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FOUR 49.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
Exactly why it won't work.
(off his look)
You can't ask her to turn her
profession into a hobby. Would you
be satisfied with just... puttering
around in a workshop... making nano-
circuit boards and playing with
tricorders?
O'BRIEN
I suppose not.
BASHIR
You're the chief of operations...
I'm a doctor... Keiko's a botanist.
Until she can be a botanist again...
I'm not sure she's ever going to be
happy.
Bashir gives him a sympathetic look and then leaves. O'Brien
puts down the PADD and looks more troubled than ever.
CUT TO:
24 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - DAY
Quark is working at a table with a computer monitor in front
of him. The table is covered with dozens of PADDS and other
information-carrying devices. Grilka is standing next to
him, watching him work with what is starting to become
admiration.
QUARK
(off PADD)
Ah... very clever... very clever
indeed...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FOUR 50.
Quark looks up at her.
QUARK
D'Ghor has manipulated your family's
holdings... devalued the lands you
hold... and he's the principal
creditor on Kozak's outstanding
gambling debts.
(beat)
It's no accident that your family's
getting weaker and D'Ghor's family
is getting stronger. He's been
systematically attacking your family's
assets for over five years now.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FOUR 51.
GRILKA
(with contempt)
You mean... D'Ghor has been...
scheming and ... plotting like a...
She breaks off the thought, but Quark finishes it for her.
QUARK
Like a Ferengi.
GRILKA
There is no honor in what he has
done. If he wanted to challenge my
House, he should've made a
declaration... met our forces in
battle...
QUARK
And risk destroying the very thing
he wanted most... your lands and
property.
Grilka can't deny that. She sits down for a moment and thinks
calmly.
GRILKA
Can you prove any of this... can you
show the Council what D'Ghor has
done?
QUARK
(indicates PADDS)
It's all right here. All I have to
do is talk them through it.
Grilka looks a little relieved for the first time.
GRILKA
Thank you, Quark. You may have saved
my family.
QUARK
Well, it is the House of Quark, after
all.
There's a beat and they share a warm moment together for the
first time.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FOUR 52.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
Grilka finally smiles at him... she can be quite lovely
when she's not wearing a scowl. Quark smiles back and their
eyes meet... there is a long moment that seems filled with
sexual tension... Grilka leans closer to him and Quark begins
to move toward her.
GRILKA
(softly)
I am very grateful for all you have
done, Quark. That's why I'm going
to let you take your hand off my
thigh instead of shattering every
bone in your body.
Quark pulls back and smiles ruefully at her. She smiles
back... and there is still a trace of respect... even a hint
of attraction here.
QUARK
Let's go talk to the Council.
They begin gathering up the PADDS.
CUT TO:
25 EXT. KLINGON HOMEWORLD (MATTE SHOT) - DAY
As seen before.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FOUR 53.
26 INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
Quark, wearing the formal robes seen earlier, is addressing
Gowron and the assembled Council. D'Ghor is standing nearby,
watching the proceedings with a glare. Quark is taking the
Council step by step through the financial maze... each of
the Council members is following Quark's presentation on a
PADD of their own... although they occasionally have to look
over each other's shoulder as he takes them through a complex
transaction. Quark is completely in his element here...
utterly confident now that he's dealing with things he
understands. Grilka is standing behind Quark and there are
a couple of N.D. Klingons watching the proceedings.
QUARK
(referring to PADD)
... so as you can see from the gross
adjusted assets tabulation in column
J, the net value of the land
acquisition was actually zero.
(picks up another
PADD)
Now, if you'll go to the file marked
"Devaluation of Capital Income," we
can review the way D'Ghor has --
Gowron finally throws the PADD down in disgust.
GOWRON
Enough! I don't want to hear anything
more about... finances, mergers, or
currency transactions.
Gowron stands and moves closer to D'Ghor.
GOWRON
The charge has been made that you
have used...
(with distaste)
... money to bring down a great
House. What do you say to this,
D'Ghor?
D'GHOR
I say he is a liar... that he has
smeared my name... and I demand
vengeance through personal combat.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FOUR 54.
26 CONTINUED:
Everyone is watching D'Ghor... he finally steps away from
Gowron and moves to Quark. Grilka tenses slightly, puts her
hand on her knife just in case it's needed. Quark stiffens,
but holds his ground.
D'GHOR
(calm)
I have discovered new evidence...
evidence which proves that Kozak did
not die honorably... that he actually
died in an accident.
(beat)
I have a witness who will say he
watched Kozak trip and fall on his
own blade... and that Quark made up
the entire story.
(to N.D. Klingon)
GhoS cha Ko! (Bring him!)
The N.D. EXITS and Grilka gives Quark a look. He regards
her calmly.
QUARK
(sotto)
I don't know what he's trying to
pull here... the only other person
who was there was...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FOUR 55.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
Quark trails off as the N.D. Klingon returns, with Rom in
tow. The N.D. shoves Rom into the center of the room. Quark
looks at him in shock and dismay. D'Ghor looks pleased and
Grilka is worried. Rom looks like hell, but he tries to
give Quark a sheepish smile.
ROM
Hello, brother...
Off Quark's dismayed expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/11/94 - ACT FIVE 56-58.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
27 OMITTED
28 EXT. KLINGON HOMEWORLD (MATTE SHOT) - NIGHT
The Klingon world at night.
29 INT. GRILKA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Late that night. The lights are mostly out as Quark and Rom
quietly creep toward the main door. They quietly OPEN the
door, and they are about to leave, when suddenly the large
form of Tumek steps in their path from outside the house.
Quark and Rom jump back in surprise and at the same moment,
the lights suddenly come ON. They turn to see Grilka standing
there looking at them both.
GRILKA
I thought you might try to leave.
QUARK
Look, I've done my part in this little
game of yours... and I'm sorry about
your House and your title... but
there's a man out there who wants to
kill me tomorrow.
GRILKA
It's a matter of honor, Quark. D'Ghor
has accused you of lying... there's
no way to answer that charge except
through personal combat.
QUARK
To you Klingons there may be no other
way, but there's an old Ferengi saying
about discretion being the better
part of valor...
GRILKA
Then what they say about the Ferengi
is true... that you're all lying,
thieving, cowards with no sense of
loyalty or honor.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/11/94 - ACT FIVE 59.
29 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Sticks and stones...
GRILKA
I thought you were different... I
thought you had something in here...
(taps her chest)
... but all you have in there, is a
piece of latinum... and it's a pretty
small piece at that.
(to Tumek)
Let them run. I don't want them in
my house.
Grilka turns and then EXITS. Tumek follows her. There's a
beat and then Quark turns to Rom.
QUARK
All right, let's go.
Rom hesitates just for a moment... a look of doubt on his
face. Quark instantly picks up on it and whirls on Rom.
QUARK
(continuing)
What? What? You think I should
stay and fight D'Ghor? Is that what
you're thinking?
Rom is instantly fearful and cringes back. But Quark is
arguing with himself here more than Rom.
QUARK
(continuing, quick)
How could you let her get to you
like that? Don't you see what she's
doing? She's trying to make us feel
guilty. Well, it's not going to
work.
Quark glares at him and Rom decides to jump on the bandwagon.
But as Quark and Rom talk, it becomes increasingly clear
that neither of them is quite as sure as they pretend to be.
ROM
You're right, brother. You're a
businessman -- all you care about is
profit.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FIVE 60.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
Right.
ROM
This was all just a... ploy to boost
sales at the bar. Who cares if some
Klingon female loses her House?
QUARK
I certainly don't.
ROM
Me neither.
Quark nods and they both give each other an unconvinced,
uncomfortable look.
QUARK
(quieter)
Now... let's get out of here.
They EXIT.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/04/94 - ACT FIVE 61.
30 EXT. KLINGON HOMEWORLD (MATTE SHOT ) - DAY
As seen before.
31 INT. GREAT HALL - DAY
The next day. Gowron and the Council are in their usual
places. D'Ghor is standing before them with a large bat'leth
in his hand, and looking cocky. Grilka stands off to one
side, waiting for the inevitable. D'Ghor smiles at her and
then faces the Council.
GOWRON
Grilka... where is the leader of
your House?
GRILKA
(quiet)
I do not know.
D'GHOR
Then I say that the House of Quark
has dishonored itself before this
Council. And I ask that it be
dissolved and its lands and property
turned over to me as compensation
for...
D'Ghor trails off in surprise as he sees something at the
back of the room. Everyone else turns to see what he is
looking at.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 62.
32 NEW ANGLE
Revealing that Quark and Rom are ENTERING the chamber. Quark
is holding a bat'leth sword with a look of determination.
Rom looks nervous but proud of his brother. The other
Klingons are shocked and surprised -- even Grilka, but she
at least smiles at the apparent bravery of the Ferengi.
Quark stands before the Council.
QUARK
I am Quark, son of Keldar... and I
have come to answer the challenge of
D'Ghor, son of... whatever.
D'Ghor stiffens slightly in anger. Gowron leans forward and
peers at Quark more closely... re-evaluating his opinion of
him. D'Ghor throws off his ceremonial robe and holds his
bat'leth like the experienced fighter he is. Grilka comes
over and takes Quark's robe.
GRILKA
(quiet)
Whatever happens... I'm proud of
you.
QUARK
(quiet)
I wish I could say that's comforting.
Rom and Grilka move away as Quark and D'Ghor face each other
in the center of the room. Gowron steps down from his chair
and stands between the two of them.
GOWRON
(to D'Ghor)
Ready?
D'Ghor gives a short, quick nod.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 63.
32 CONTINUED:
GOWRON
(to Quark)
Ready?
Quark nods slowly, keeping his eyes on the huge figure of
D'Ghor... the bat'leth looking large and unwieldy in Quark's
hands.
GOWRON
(continuing)
DaH! (now!)
D'Ghor swings his blade back, preparing for a mighty
swing... but in that moment, Quark THROWS his sword
across the room, disarming himself. D'Ghor pauses,
surprised by the move. Quark stands his ground and
glares at D'Ghor.
QUARK
Go ahead. Kill me. That's why I'm
here, isn't it, to be killed? Well,
here I am, so go ahead and do it.
D'Ghor has been caught off-guard here, and he hesitates.
Quark uses his hesitation to turn to Gowron and the Council.
QUARK
(continuing, to Council)
You all want me to pick up that sword
and try to fight him, don't you?
But I don't have a chance and you
know it. You only want me to put up
a fight so your precious honor will
be satisfied. Well, I'm not going
to make it easy for you.
(beat)
Having me fight D'Ghor is nothing
more than an execution... so if that's
what you want, that's what you're
going to get: an execution. No honor,
no glory...
Quark turns back to D'Ghor, who is watching him closely.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FIVE 64.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
QUARK
(to D'Ghor)
And when you tell your children and
your grandchildren the glorious story
of how you rose to power and took
Grilka's house from her, I hope you
remember to tell them how you
heroically killed an unarmed Ferengi
half your size.
Gowron and the Council members are shifting unhappily in
their places... they're not too happy about the way this is
happening. But D'Ghor only gives Quark a small smile.
D'GHOR
(softly)
Whatever you say, Ferengi...
D'Ghor cocks back the blade for a killing stroke... and he
is about to cut Quark in two, when Gowron swiftly moves in
and grabs the sword, freezing D'Ghor in place. Gowron's
attitude is both shamed and disappointed.
GOWRON
What are you doing?
D'Ghor is genuinely shocked... he loosens his grip on the
sword and Gowron pulls it away from him in disgust.
GOWRON
I didn't want to believe the things
he said about you yesterday... but
if you can stand here and... murder
this pathetic little man, then you
have no honor. And you have no place
in this hall.
Gowron throws the bat'leth to the ground, and then turns his
back on D'Ghor. The other Council members all turn away
from D'Ghor, who has now been shamed before everyone. Gowron
signals to one of the Guards in the room, who then moves to
D'Ghor. D'Ghor stares at them all in disbelief... then turns
and lets the Guard escort him from the room. Gowron glances
at Quark in a mixture of disbelief and admiration.
GOWRON
(shaking his head)
A brave Ferengi... who would have
thought it possible?
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FIVE 64A.
32 CONTINUED: (3)
After a beat, Gowron goes to Grilka.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/05/94 - ACT FIVE 65.
32 CONTINUED: (4)
GOWRON
I believe there are enough... unusual
circumstances here to justify granting
you special dispensation. You can
lead your House on your own...
(glances at Quark)
... if that is what you want.
(to Council)
Yej rhin! (Council is adjourned!)
The Council members file off and Gowron EXITS with them.
Grilka and Rom go to Quark. Rom is smiling at his brother,
and even Grilka manages a smile. Quark looks relieved, but
a little shaken.
GRILKA
You've given me back my House and my
family name. How can I repay you?
QUARK
I would like a divorce, please. No
offense.
GRILKA
None taken. I can give it to you
right now.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - REV. 08/02/94 - ACT FIVE 66.
32 CONTINUED: (5)
Grilka backhands him and he crashes to the ground. Grilka
leans over him and snarls.
GRILKA
N'Gos tlhogh cha! (Our marriage is
done!)
She spits on him and Quark flinches. Then Grilka changes
expression suddenly and smiles at him.
GRILKA
You're a free man.
She extends a hand and helps Quark to his feet. Quark rubs
his jaw painfully.
QUARK
A little warning would've been --
Suddenly Grilka kisses him hard... then releases him.
GRILKA
Q'Apla, Quark... son of Keldar.
QUARK
Q'Apla, to you too.
Grilka EXITS. Quark watches her go, then smiles at her and
shakes his head. OFF his expression...
CUT TO:
33 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing the station.
34 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL
O'Brien and Keiko are having drinks. Keiko is watching the
crowd down below as they play dabo.
KEIKO
I've never understood what people
see in that game. Don't they ever
get sick of it?
O'Brien is lost in thought, toying with his drink, and doesn't
answer. Keiko picks up on this and turns back to him.
O'Brien pushes the drink aside and looks at her directly...
he's made a tough decision and now it's time to implement
it.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 67.
34 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
Keiko... there's an agrobiology
expedition leaving for the Janitza
mountains on Bajor in two weeks...
they need a chief botanist... and I
think you could probably qualify.
Keiko blinks at him in surprise... this is totally unexpected.
KEIKO
On Bajor... ?
O'BRIEN
That's right. They've never surveyed
those mountains... it's a very
important project...
KEIKO
How long is the expedition supposed
to last?
O'BRIEN
Six months.
KEIKO
I can't leave Molly and you for six
months.
O'BRIEN
You can take Molly with you, I already
checked. And as for me... Bajor's
only three hours away by runabout...
we can manage.
Keiko sits back... unsure exactly how to deal with this.
She looks at O'Brien with a mixture of shock and curiosity.
KEIKO
When we moved here, we made an
agreement...
O'BRIEN
I know...
KEIKO
And I'm not trying to back out of
that agreement. Don't let this
business with the school make you
feel guilty and...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 68.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
This isn't about guilt. It's about
you being happy... and me knowing
that you're not.
KEIKO
I promised you that I'd stay with
you and make this work...
He leans forward and takes her hand... and they both seem
like a young couple facing their first separation.
O'BRIEN
I know... but you're a botanist...
it's what you're trained to do...
it's what you love... so be a
botanist, Keiko. And be the best
damned one in the galaxy.
They look at each other... and both their eyes are getting
misty. She leans across the table and they kiss...
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 69.
35 NEW ANGLE
MOVING DOWN from the second level, down to the bar area where
Quark and Rom are working the bar. Rom looks around to make
sure no one's listening.
ROM
Brother... I haven't had the chance
to tell you... but in the Great
Hall... when you stood there in front
of D'Ghor... you were magnificent.
QUARK
I was lucky. If it didn't work... I
didn't have another card to play.
Quark gives a drink to a customer and then looks around the
bar with a little sadness.
QUARK
Business is dropping off again...
ROM
Money isn't everything...
Quark gives him a shocked look.
QUARK
If father were alive, he'd wash your
mouth out with galcor.
But Rom doesn't look apologetic for once, he's trying to
lift Quark's spirits.
ROM
You can't buy respect, Brother. And
that's what you have now -- respect.
After all, that's what you wanted
isn't it?
QUARK
Respect is good... but latinum's
better.
ROM
Tell the story again... about how
you stood there in front of D'Ghor,
knowing that you were probably not
going to live to see another day.
Quark looks around the bar for a moment... there's no one
within earshot.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 69A.
35 CONTINUED:
QUARK
Everyone's tired of hearing it, Rom.
It's not going to boost business
anymore.
DEEP SPACE: "The House... " - 08/01/94 - ACT FIVE 70.
35 CONTINUED:
Quark turns away, but Rom stops him.
ROM
No... I mean... tell me. I want to
hear it again.
Quark is surprised, but the look of admiration on Rom's face
is genuine. Quark is touched, but tries to cover it.
QUARK
(trying to be gruff)
All right... but I'm taking this
time out of your paycheck.
Rom nods eagerly and Quark leans on the bar and begins to
tell the tale.
QUARK
Well... when I walked into the Great
Hall, the first thing I noticed was
that D'Ghor was about a meter taller
than I remembered...
As Quark tells his story to his admiring brother...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END